(NAPS)-When it comes to keeping your home safe and comfortable, every season makes its own demands. To help, here are a few tips on how to prepare your home for cooler weather and holiday fun from the home experts at ServiceMaster.
* Prevent Rodents. Ensure attic and foundation vents are equipped with a tight-fitting 1_4-inch hardware cloth. Rodents are great climbers and acrobats, so make sure to trim tree branches away from the home to limit access to the home's roof and exterior vents.
* Proof Your Roof. Check flashings around vents, skylights and other openings. Trim back tree limbs and vegetation away from the home. If you have a flat roof, blow off all leaves and pine needles so they do not hold moisture on the roof. Check loose or damaged shingles to prevent leaks during winter storms.
* Fine-tune Your Heating System. About a month before you expect colder weather, have your heating system professionally inspected to ensure it runs properly. Check your system's air filters and clean or change them regularly to maintain efficiency and reduce energy costs.
* Combat Allergens. Move heavy furniture and clean underneath. Invest in a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter, as it will trap dust and particles rather than redistribute them into the air. At least once a week, wipe down bed frames and headboards as well as any other furniture or knickknacks in the room with a microfiber cloth.
* Feed Your Lawn. Lawns that recently experienced drought will require proper nutrition to encourage healthy growth and to recover from drought damage. Having enough residual nutrients in the soil will help jump-start plant growth.
Use a professional company with a tree and shrub plan that offers customized solutions to lawn and landscape problems based on the specific needs of the region.
* Check the Chimney. An obstructed chimney or flue causes smoke to build up in the house. Have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned by a professional before you heat it up.
* Protect The Surface. If you are hosting a holiday party or family gathering, always make coasters available to prevent water rings on your furniture. Choose one made of wood with felt or cork on the bottom.
For more home care tips from the experts at Terminix, TruGreen, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec, visit www.servicemaster.com.